PUK, David Michael Puk

He passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at Marigold Hospice in Newcastle, with his family by his side. Born in Oshawa, ON to the late Michael and Bernice Puk, brother to Tom, Diane and Ted (Marie).

David Michael Puk was a man of grit, integrity, and deep devotion to his family. For 57 years, Dave was a man completely devoted to his wife, Connie (nee Brooking). He often joked that their connection was predestined, starting the day they were both christened at the same church and Connie got a head start on their future by pulling on his diaper. Their lifelong journey truly began on the sidewalks of their childhood, walking to school together everyday from the time they were in kindergarten. Dave was a man of rare and early conviction; he famously proposed to Connie for the first time in the back of the school taxi when they were only five years old. Though it took a few more years to make it official, they remained inseparable from those first school days onward. Together, they built a life on a foundation of unshakeable partnership and a friendship that lasted nearly eight decades.

Dave’s career path was as varied as it was hardworking. After early days at the Dominion Store in Bowmanville, he followed his passion into Corrections. He truly lived out his dreams while running the horse program for at-risk youth up north at Project DARE in Britt, Ontario. Known affectionately as “Wrangler,” Dave was never more at home than when he was working with horses. His career in Corrections also took him to Sprucedale Youth Centre in Hagersville, Pineridge Training School in Bowmanville and Brookside Youth Centre in Cobourg. A compelling storyteller, Dave often held his family, friends and coworkers captivated with amazing, and often harrowing, true stories from his decades in Corrections—accounts of a world few see, told with the grit and authenticity of a man who lived it and loved it. These accounts reflected both the toughness of the work and the deep humanity he found within it.

Even while working demanding night shifts in Corrections, Dave’s drive never wavered. Instead of sleeping, he spent his days working alongside his father and grandfather to hand-build the family home in Kirby, ON. Situated on ten acres of private wilderness, this home became the sanctuary where he and Connie raised their three children and created a lifetime of memories.

In 1984, Dave retired from Corrections to join his wife’s family trucking business, Brooking Transport Ltd., continuing his legacy of hard work within the family business until 2001 when he became a custodian for the Kawartha Pineridge School Board. During his years as a custodian in KPR he formed friendships that he spoke of fondly; connections he maintained long after he was forced to retire at 75. Dave’s greatest pride by far was his family. He is survived by his soulmate Connie; his children Wade, Chad, and Melanie (Ken); his ten cherished grandchildren, Holly, Devlin, Tishana, Dakota, Gunnyr, Dawson, Dylan, Kamden, Kutler, and Kenna; and five great-grandchildren. Whether you knew him as Dave or Wrangler, he will be remembered for many things, but that iconic cowboy hat will always be the symbol of his Spirit.

Donations (In Lieu of Flowers): to Marigold Hospice Newcastle, ON

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 13th from 2pm – 7pm at The Rolling Acres at 2941 Taunton Rd, Bowmanville, ON We will be sharing stories and a toast to Dave at 3:30pm